Optimized voltage and reactive power control in the context of advanced distribution automation

Abstract

Voltage and reactive power control, or Volt-Var control, is an important functionality in the operation of electric distribution systems, having influence on power quality and technical losses in the network. This paper presents a tool for performing optimized voltage and reactive power control in the context of advanced distribution automation. The tool was developed as part of an R&D project and was integrated with the utility's legacy systems through an interoperability bus, also developed throughout the project. In addition to the adopted methodology, the results of the functionality application in a pilot area are presented, where it was verified the integration of the tool with the interoperability bus and its performance in relation to the objectives of this type of control, such as improvement in voltage level and reduction of technical losses in the network.